Sorting method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A sorting apparatus  10  which uses a sorting/conveying line  11  with branch destination, including a branch line  22  for sorting the commodities more than a quantity necessary for the branch destination and a surplus article returning line  23  for returning surplus commodities after removing a required quantity to the sorting/conveying line  11.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting method and itsapparatus as well as an inspection and assurance system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a sorting apparatus sorts commodities of requiredquantity in answer to an order from a retailer during the process of abusiness transaction between a supplier as the seller and a retailer asthe buyer. Generally, such sorting apparatus includes a stock pickingprocess at an upstream side and a conveying/sorting process at adownstream side (DC type).

[0003] A conventional sorting apparatus has the following problems.

[0004] (1) In recent years, segmented delivery from each team to everyindividual in the co-op is seen. Thus, it becomes necessary to cope withsmall order processing. As a result, problems in processing occur suchthat conveying and sorting number at the downstream side becomes short.

[0005] (2) Integration of functions such as common use of the physicaldistribution center, lumping conveying, or the like are advanced. It isnecessary to perform sorting in every store (TC type) of the necessaryarticles carried in by another supplier in addition to stock pickingtype DC. Carrying in TC article has two systems; one being a totaldelivery system for every article item and another being a consolidatedpacking delivery system for every store. Center passing charges of thesesystems is different. As to the consolidated packing delivery system forevery store, delivery information processing such as inspection ofcontents, delivery forming and so forth are included.

[0006] (3) Further, in the downstream, a label is attached to a deliverybox such as a folding container or a plastic container after sorting inaccordance with unique codes or formats of a client having multiplestores. Working requirements for inserting accessories such as adelivery detail listing or a pamphlet becomes large. Working iscomplicated in order to cope with different requirements of differentclients. For this reason, the load of inspection work increases. In caseof error, a penalty is added, and a large number of serious problems onphysical distribution quality are created.

[0007] (4) When retailers purchase commodities from purchase resourcessuch as a commission agent, the situation that the commodities orderedare not delivered by the type and quantity ordered frequently occurs Forexample, there is no ordered commodities, the quantity is short, theordered commodities are delivered to another store, etc. Therefore,since loss due to shortage is large, actual commodity inspection isnecessarily performed at a storefront under these circumstances.

[0008] In this case, commodity inspection at each store is troublesome,which results in inefficiency. Further, the situation that an unskilledsales person carries out commodity inspection frequently occurs, whichfrequently results in a problem in that it takes significant time forretrieving an actual commodity from a trade name, or an error occurs incommodity inspection itself.

[0009] Further, “business transaction” is ordinarily performed betweenthe supplier as the seller and the retailer as the buyer in the order oforder, delivery, commodity inspection, clearance and payment. Thephysical distribution is generally defined as a subcontracted businessfor the seller.

[0010] In recent years, retailers are large-scaled due to multiple storedevelopment, which requires reduction of purchase price in order toachieve quantity merit due to large scale purchasing and large scaleselling. The retailer has adopted a POS system (JAN barcode settlement)to allow grasping of marketable commodities in real time. Thereby, dailyorders for each store could be made easy.

[0011] Alternatively, the supplier as the seller (commission agents ormanufacturers) performs an order reception confirming processing by eachorder reception processing computer to transmit shipment information toa “physical distribution site”.

[0012] The management of “the physical distribution site” has two cases;one being a directly-controlled own company physical distribution andanother being a subcontract physical distribution company. In recentyears, there is a tendency that the physical distribution is consignedto a dedicated physical distribution company with a cost borne by theseller in order to reduce the physical distribution costs. The“consigned contents” include various scenarios such a case that theseller provides the facilities and only in-house work and delivery workare consigned to a physical distribution company, a case that a physicaldistribution company is consigned with full services including thefacilities, or the like. In many cases, the physical distributioncompany makes contracts with the seller for in-house business ordelivery business not as a party for contract but as a subcontractor ofthe seller.

[0013] There occurs a problem that an order including many types ofcommodities in small numbers thereof increases and “the commodityinspection work is complicated and diversified at a time of commoditydelivery”. The commodity inspection is a task involving makingconfirmation about matching/mismatching between delivered actualcommodities and delivery forms therefor to achieve matching and secure“a delivery settlement”. However such work imposes a large burden on thephysical distribution company due to the work required for errorcorrection, increases in time for being present at the inspection, andthe like.

[0014] (a) A driver of the physical distribution company is consignedwith only the distribution business, but that person is required to bepresent until the content or commodity inspection is completed, whichresults in time loss for that person.

[0015] Further, a handling rule for the case that mismatching occursbetween an actual commodity and a form therefor is unclear. For example,in the case that the number of actual commodities is larger than thenumber on the form, the surplus must be returned back and a returnedcommodity form must be written. When the number of actual commodities issmaller than the number described on the form, the form is ordinarilycorrected under the presence of both parties and signature or sealing isrequired in some cases. Where the delivery is completed with only theform correction is a good case, and such a problem that deliverycompletion is rejected until shortage is supplemented or deliveredoccurs in rare cases.

[0016] When a reception person of the retailer is a professional, arelatively high efficiency can be achieved. But, when that person is abeginner, such as a new person or a temporary employee, it may occurfrequently that their commodity inspection work is poor and theirhandling of mismatching cases is performed inefficiently. Such asituation may be a situation where persons who do not haveresponsibility are present just formally. “Unclearness in clearance”causes serious conditions such as notification of shortage to thesupplier after delivery, leading to a loss of reliability.

[0017] (b) The retailer requires accurate correspondence to the selleron the occasion of multiple article items, small quantity and multifrequent order.

[0018] If the articles are delivered in random order according to everysupplier, this causes interference of service, and a dedicated personfor reception becomes the burden of the retailer. Consequently, TC(Transfer Center) establishment is required. The TC has a function ofdealing with stock article and articles carried in from anothersupplier. When a TC is introduced, it is necessary for the supplier toperform “inspection forms correction” and “lumped delivery”.

[0019] Delivery error or shortage (short to the order) is impermissible.In TC, commodity inspection is performed, “excess and deficiencyadjustment” of article item/quantity is performed, and agreement between“order=form=delivered actual commodity” is required.

[0020] The retailer performs management of the TC. In many cases, arelated distribution company is used. Its working capital is a “centerpassing fee” tolled from the supplier. Under the contract, this centerpassing fee is reduced from the commodity purchase price.

[0021] (c) The supplier writes the form on the basis of only the receiptof order information while taking count of sales to the buyer.Confirmation of excess and deficiency of the actual commodity isconsidered the work of the distribution field or procurement section.For this reason, such a case that there are many transactions whichappear due to the buyer's selfishness such as cancellation of a returnedcommodity and a delivery commodity caused by the retailer isexemplified.

[0022] Thus the physical distribution company as the subcontractor of aparty for contract is compelled to perform work other than deliverycontract such as “inspection presence” with no delegation of theclearance right.

[0023] This indicates problems of actual commodity clearance anddifficulty of resolution. These problems are caused by computerizationand the speed up of shipping order work and receipt of order work.

[0024] An inspection machine or a sorting machine is introduced forin-house work. Accuracy may be achieved by such mechanization. However,accuracy stays level within the warehouse. The obtained data as it iscannot be used as “inspection clearance data” for the physicaldistribution computer.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0025] An object of the present invention is to provide an inspectionand assurance system for performing inspection and assurance accuratelyand efficiently while sorting commodity delivered from a supplier.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide aninspection and assurance system in which there is provided a deliveryinspection center between a supplier and a retailer and the deliveryinspection center performs inspection and assurance instead of thesupplier and the retailer.

[0027] The present invention is a sorting method which uses asorting/conveying line with a branch destination comprising the steps ofsorting the commodities more than a quantity necessary for the branchdestination and returning surplus commodity after removing necessaryquantity to the sorting/conveying line.

[0028] Further, the present invention is a sorting apparatus which usesa sorting/conveying line with a branch destination comprising a branchline for sorting the commodities more than quantity necessary for thebranch destination, and a surplus article returning line for returningsurplus commodities after removing necessary quantity to thesorting/conveying line.

[0029] Further, the present invention is an inspection and assurancesystem in which a delivery inspection center is provided between aplurality of suppliers and a plurality of retailers to sort deliveredcommodities from the suppliers according to order information of theretailers on sorting/conveying lines of the delivery inspection center,to collect actual commodity information passing the sorting/conveyinglines in the delivery inspection center, and to calculate sortingresults for every retailer and delivery results for every supplier.Besides reporting the sorting results of the retailer to the retailersconcerned, the sorting results of the retailers relating to thedelivered commodities of each supplier are reported to the supplierconcerned.

[0030] Moreover the present invention is an inspection and assurancesystem which establishes shipment zones for every return destinationtrader at the second sorting/conveying step branched from thesorting/conveying line, and compiles and outputs return sorting resultsfor every retailer and return results for every supplier by actualcommodity input identification means of sorted commodity for the returndestination trader.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of asorting apparatus of a delivery inspection center;

[0032]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of thesorting apparatus;

[0033]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of thesorting apparatus;

[0034]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a second sorting/conveyingline;

[0035]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a flow of order information; and

[0036]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a flow of clearance information.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

[0037] (Sorting Method and Apparatus)(FIGS. 1, 4)

[0038] A delivery inspection center 1 of FIG. 1 is provided between aplurality of suppliers and a plurality of retailers and has a sortingapparatus 10.

[0039] The sorting apparatus 10 has a first sorting/conveying line 11and a second sorting/conveying line 21. The second sorting/conveyingline 21 has a fractionating zone 31 and a segmenting zone 32, or has alarge case article sorting line 41.

[0040] (First Sorting/Conveying Line 11)

[0041] The first sorting/conveying line 11 has a stock article (DCarticle) supplying section 12 as a place for stock and a loop shapedsorting conveyer circulating commodities supplied from anothersupplier's article (TC article) supplying section 13. These commoditiesare sorted into a plurality of the second sorting/conveying lines 21(branching destinations). Further, the first sorting/conveying line 11has a surplus article branching section 14 for returning the surplusarticles which is not necessary for the second sorting/conveying line21. Reference numeral 14A indicates a bar code reader BCR.

[0042] A control computer scans the type bar code and so forth attachedto the individual commodity with the bar code readers BCR 12A, 13A atthe stock article supplying section 12 and another supplier's articlesupplying section 13 to instruct the branch destination. The necessarytotal number 0 of each branch destination of each commodity is knownpreviously from compiled data. Further, since packaging contents ofindividual actual commodity (quantity number in the case of singlearticle) is known. The quantity more than the necessary amount isrounded in “case unit” in every branch destination to be branched. InFIG. 1, a reference numeral 2 indicates a single article case, areference numeral 3 indicates the single article or a parted containerfor a plurality of types.

[0043] No consideration is made with respect to the kind of sortingconveyer and combination thereof.

[0044] The sorting conveyer is formed in a loop shape. This is becausethe sorting conveyer can not be stopped immediately when thefractionating zone 31 is filled with the articles, and the articlesafter branch allocation can be made to go round the conveyer.

[0045] The sorting system of the present invention can drive in twoways.

[0046] “DC”: Distribution Center Function. Stock/Picking/Sorting.

[0047] FC line: The line to which case article of one layer unitinflows.

[0048] P line: The line to which the article inflows from a case savedivision not more than one layer.

[0049] P_(p) line: The line to which the article inflows fromindependent parted container save division.

[0050] S line: The line for returning the surplus article for the casesave division.

[0051] S_(p) line: The line for returning the surplus article for theparted container save division.

[0052] “TC”: Transfer Center Function. The function for dealing with thearticles carried in by another supplier, not a stock article.

[0053] TC1: The line to which the article is carried in from anothercompany inflow.

[0054] TC2: The same as above. The single article trader (second sortingobject) uses TC1, and the consolidated packaging supplier uses TC2. Inthe case of presence of inspection assurance, the article is dealtwithin every case, while in the case of absence of inspection assurance,content inspection is performed at the second sorting zone. Thus, it ispossible to separate usage.

[0055] TC_(s): The line for returning surplus articles of TC supplierarticle. In some cases, foods dealt by the co-op and so forth aredelivered in an excess amount.

[0056] It is possible to separate operation times such as for example DCoperation in the morning and TC operation in the afternoon.

[0057] It is possible to use the same sorting/conveying line for both DCand TC functions. Further, the sorting/conveying line can performdistribution quantity administration control of the articles for everycase unit, so that this is very efficient.

[0058] (Second Sorting/Conveying Line 21)

[0059] (1) Fractionating Zone 31

[0060] With respect to a single item article or consolidated packagingarticle (case style of packing unit) sorted by the firstsorting/conveying line 11, “taking out the necessary total numberO/return of unnecessary surplus article (singleness of container styleof packing)” is performed in the fractionating zone 31.

[0061] In the fractionating zone 31, the bar code reader BCR 31A scansthe branched article on a zone conveying line 22 depending on aninstruction from a control computer. A taking out indicator 31B performsan indication of necessary quantity and unnecessary surplus articleelimination for “every case unit”. The operator performs pushingprocessing of the surplus articles to a “surplus article return line23”, after packing them into a plastic container (fiber board may beused) in accordance with indication guidance such as inspection,repacking or labeling or the like. The article necessary for “case unit”is sent out to the segmenting zone 32 automatically (pass/catchcontrol).

[0062] (2) Segmenting Zone 32

[0063] The segmenting zone 32 comprises a shipment zone that issegmented into a plurality of stores or categories. Each zone has, asshown in FIG. 4, a singleness compartment 35 and a case compartment 36.The commodity taken out by one piece unit from inside of a single itemarticle accommodating case, or the container, is dropped into thesingleness compartment 35. The single item article accommodating case isdropped into the case compartment 36 by the case unit. A roll box, orpallet, 37 is disposed at a deacquisition opening on a rear surface ofeach zone by delivery unit for a retailer. An empty bucket accommodatingroll box 38 is disposed at a terminal of the second sorting/conveyingline 21, and an empty bucket storage line 39 is disposed at an upperportion of the second sorting/conveying line 21.

[0064] A terminal unit receives necessary data for zone/shelf allocationsuch as store data/category data and so forth before order-receivingbatch execution. When the case unit article flows in the zone, the barcode reader BCR 32A provided at an entrance of each zone scans articleitem data. A necessary case is stopped based on the article item data,and label issuance, fetching indication, such as case, singleness, andshelf compartment accommodating indication, such as case, singleness,are performed.

[0065] When the bucket is filled with the articles at the shelfcompartment 35, an empty bucket 4 is pushed into the compartment whileattaching a label 5 issued by a label issuing machine provided at thezone compartment to the empty bucket 4. It is possible to use eachcompartment pressing button or equipped scanner (handy type bar codereader) or the like for the input method of a shelf compartment number.

[0066] Changing of the bucket for throwing-in a single article can beperformed depending on full space judgment input of an actual commoditytherefore, issuance or throwing-in a of content list for every bucketcan be performed in accordance with each field. Also, it is possible touse a conventional method for performing a changing indication of thebucket while performing label issuance automatically after constantvolume calculation for every bucket beforehand.

[0067] It is also possible to allocate a compartment 36 by case unitother than a single article throwing-in step for every store and forevery category. With respective case unit throwing, it is possible toattach the label manually by manpower at the time of shelf compartmentaccommodation by issuing the label automatically by the label issuingmachine provided at the zone compartment. It is also possible to copewith different label formats or different attaching positions for everyclient.

[0068] In one embodiment, there is provided the BCR 32A at each zoneentrance. However, it is possible to perform trace control for every onecase with a photoelectric switch and a stopper at every zone by scanningupstream at one place.

[0069] By installing a scanner at each zone independently, it ispossible to provide an inspection function of the method of performingnegation of compartment indication while scanning JAN code printed on anactual commodity at the time of picking. Further, it is possible to workwith “billing (results data transmission to superordinate CPU)” byactual commodity input data.

[0070] Namely, there is provided a shipment zone for every store at thesegmenting zone 32. It is thereby possible to perform inspection of asorted commodity for the retailer while performing actual commodityinput of the sorted commodity by a completion button switch input(completion button switch 32B in FIG. 1) equipped on a throwing openingfor respective compartments 35, 36 of the segmenting zone 32 or scannerinput, or scanner input (scanner 32C in FIG. 4) equipped on thedeacquisition opening. Furthermore, there is provided a shipment zonefor every returned article supplier at the segmenting zone 32, so thatit is also possible to perform inspection while performing actualcommodity input of the sorted commodity for the returned articlesupplier by scanner input (scanner 32C in FIG. 4) equipped on adeacquisition opening of respective compartments 30, 36 of thesegmenting zone 32 (FIG. 4).

[0071] Specific methods of inspection assurance will be described laterin detail.

[0072] (3) Large Case Article Sorting Line 41

[0073] The large case article sorting line 41 has a branch line 42 and asurplus article return line 43, and sorts articles made to order that iscomprised of case articles mainly with no requirement of segmentation toenter the article made to order in the roll box 44. Reference numerals45A, 46A indicate bar code readers BCR. Reference numeral 45B indicatesfetching indicator, and a reference numeral 46B indicates a completionbutton switch.

[0074] (4) Preliminary line 51

[0075] The preliminary line 51 has a branch line 52 and a surplusarticle return line 53. Line increase is easily performed. When an orderof two system segmenting zone conveying line is 19 articles each,flowing of two cases containing 20 articles each generates “pluralsurplus articles” of one each. In such a case, processing for combiningtwo surplus articles into one can be considered. However, the actualcommodity can be only one, although surplus articles are assumed to betwo. With respect to this combining function, it can be considered thatprocessing of the surplus articles is more easily performed at“downstream surplus article processing step such as TC_(S) or S_(p) orthe like”. Reference numerals 54A, 55A indicate bar code readers BCR, areference numeral 54B indicates fetching indicator, and a referencenumeral 56 indicates a pallet. It is also possible to drop sortedcommodity of large size into the pallet 56.

[0076] (5) As to the Second Sorting in the Second Sorting/Conveying Line21, the Following Application Examples are Possible.

[0077] A. The required number of articles is fetched, and the articlesare put on the shelf to a rotational shelf throwing compartment, so thatit is possible to confirm the final remaining number as zero.

[0078] B. The branched style of packing article is conveyed as it is,the remaining number is checked after stopping and placement on theshelf in every zone, and circular flowing return, to the first sortingis performed.

[0079] C. The required number of articles is fetched, the articles withcase style of packing are conveyed, stopped, put on the shelf, and thesurplus article are returned in every zone, so that it is possible toconfirm the final remaining number as zero.

[0080] D. The required number of article is fetched, and the case styleof packing is separated by required quantity in the store unit. Thearticle is accommodated in a tray, stopped, and put on the shelf forevery zone, so that it is possible to confirm the final remaining numberas zero, being available for return, consolidated article, singlearticle, and return for every manufacturer.

[0081] (Operation and Effect of the Sorting Apparatus 10)

[0082] According to the sorting apparatus 10, the following operationsand effects are achieved.

[0083] (1) Since surplus becomes zero after the second sorting, it ispossible to find the sorting error (second sorting).

[0084] (2) Since unnecessary article returns while riding the entireloop of the sorting line 11 or unnecessary articles are sorted to thedownstream of surplus article branch section 14 (overflow line), it ispossible to find different items of article and surplus quantity.

[0085] (3) It is understood that incompletion store is short at the timeof batch completion, where throwing is completed, in the state of noarticle on the line. Since the sorting result is decided by performingforced completion, billing of decided shipment is performed. Also, datais possible.

[0086] (4) Parallel layer flowing work (work in parallel) can beperformed while combining the first sorting/conveying line 11 and aplurality of second sorting/conveying lines 21.

[0087] (5) When unnecessary articles flow, the necessary article issorted by the first sorting, and the unnecessary article is conveyed tothe surplus article branch section 14, so that it is possible to performselection such as waiting for the next batch driving and so forth.

[0088] (6) The delivered article box with label is put on atri-dimensional moving shelf after the branch of the secondsorting/conveying line 21. It is possible to perform many segmenteddeliveries by performing segmented distribution to a large number ofshelf compartments in accordance with shelf indication lamp and soforth.

[0089] (7) Label, format, attachment and so forth which are differentfor every client are simplified in such a manner that a different secondsorting/conveying line 21 takes charge of these works respectively.

[0090] Further there are following operations and effects specifically.

[0091] (8) The sorting apparatus 10 is effective because it is possibleto perform both singleness segmented sorting and the second sorting inthe case unit, and it is possible to cope with variation of ordercontent.

[0092] (9) It is possible to perform distributive processing such asinclusion work, packing work or the like while fetching articles fromthe backside of the moving shelf in parallel to the second sorting work.

[0093] (10) Since there is provided a plurality of secondsorting/conveying lines 21 in parallel, processing speed becomes fast incomparison with the series maximum line.

[0094] (11) It is possible to separate the work depending on the clientand to make the lines take charge of different work respectively sincethere are a plurality of the second sorting/conveying lines 21. It ispossible to use one line for sorting the single article, and the otherline as a consolidated case content inspection zone, so that it ispossible to apply the apparatus flexibly for multiple objects.

[0095] (12) Necessary total quantity is passed, and surplus articles aresent quickly to another fractionating zone, due to actual commodityascertaining inspection at the fractionating zone 31.

[0096] The fetching indicator 31B of the fractionating zone 31 instructsthe necessary amount of fetching in “case unit”, on which occasion, itis possible to use the method for performing rearranging with scannerinspection to “conveying tray” with a bar code in accordance withinstruction after performing segmenting instruction for every “store”.

[0097] It is not necessary to perform segmentation at the segmentingzone 32 because of previous fractionation for every store. Only afetching indication lamp and a throwing indication/completion pressbutton lamp are necessary, so that it is possible to remove a digitalquantity indicator.

[0098] It is possible to apply to the “return fractionating work” inevery manufacturer, or in every dealer.

[0099] [Inspection and Assurance System]

[0100] A delivery inspection center 1 has an inspection and assurancesystem 100 in the sorting apparatus 10. The system collects actualcommodity information passing the first sorting/conveying line 11, thesecond sorting/conveying line 21, and calculates sorting results forevery retailer and delivery results for every supplier, reports thesorting results of the retailer to the retailer concerned, and thedelivery results or the supplier and the sorting results for retailersrelating to the delivered commodities of each supplier to the supplierconcerned. The inspection and assurance system 100 has thecharacteristics described below.

[0101] The inspection and assurance system 100 has a receipt of orderprocessing computer 101, a physical distribution computer 102 and acontrol computer 103. The system 100 receives order information inaccordance with flow of the order information described below betweenthe inspection and assurance system 100 and a retail business headoffice computer 200, and transmits clearance information in accordancewith flow of clearance information described below.

[0102] (Flow of Order Information) (FIG. 5)

[0103] (1) The Retail Business Head Office Computer 200

[0104] The retail business head office computer 200 functions as anorder purchase processing means, registers commodity master file,supplier code, destination store code and so forth into storage means,and performs order processing.

[0105] (2) The Receipt of Order Processing Computer 101

[0106] The receipt of order processing computer 101 functions as areceipt of order and shipping order processing/billing processing means,registers commodity master file into storage means, and performs receiptof order processing, receipt of order data administration, receipt oforder stock correspondence, and shortage list output for every supplier.

[0107] Specifically, the receipt of order processing computer 101receives totally the shipping order sent from the retail business headoffice computer 200 to perform the receipt of order and shipping orderinformation administration and the billing.

[0108] Data content of shipping order information includes a suppliercode number, store code number (delivering person and delivered person),JAN code, name of article, the number of articles, case shipment orderquantity, singleness shipment order quantity (article delivery content),purchase price, retail price (commercial price) or the like. Categorycode numbers for classifying into daily necessities, stationary, healthfood are numbered. In some cases, a display shelf number is added.

[0109] (3) Physical Distribution Computer 102

[0110] The physical distribution computer 102 functions as physicaldistribution planning means, and performs rearranging of delivery courseorder, loading car dispatch planning, style of packing, stockcorrespondence in every location, fetching location instruction, andshipment batch planning delivering.

[0111] Specifically, the physical distribution computer 102 removescommercial price data (no necessity) from receipt of order and shippingorder information, and performs editing of writing to delivery division.Delivery order tables are formed based on map information beforehand.

[0112] When stock shipment division is provided (No.1 storage, No.2storage and so forth), check of over-and-short of stock is performed forevery location in accordance with its division to perform fetchinglocation specification, or to perform fetching location specificationwithout performing checking.

[0113] Destination information may be a delivery course number or storecourse number, which is prepared as issuance data of the label duringhandling process.

[0114] The shipment batch planning is executed in bulk after reaching aconstant amount when the receipt of order is repeated, or in the case ofpresence of large number of receipt of order at one certain time a day,the shipment batch planning is executed in a certain time with constantintervals. Information transfer to the control computer is performedwhile deciding the size of the batch with shipment conditions consideredsuch as the capacity of shipment handling over of a plat form or thenecessity of precedent accomplishment of priority shipment article. Thisshipment batch unit becomes a result report unit after execution.

[0115] (4) Control Computer 103

[0116] The control computer 103 functions as a control means, andperforms shipment batch data reception, batch execution administration,branch destination location allocation processing (real time control),and equipment control unit conveying instruction (conveying instructiondata of source and destination).

[0117] Specifically, the control computer 103 receives shipment batchplan data formed by the physical distribution computer 102, and suppliesoperation instruction data in real time appropriately while confirmingthe operation state in every constitution control equipmentindividually.

[0118] The control computer 103 instructs “storing/delivering mode,storing/delivering shelf location” to each machine of the stacker craneof “automatic storage”, When an execution completion signal is input,the control computer 103 outputs next instruction data.

[0119] In the case of “delivering control”, the data is decideddepending on kind of handling equipment. For instance, in the case of alayer unit gripping apparatus (the Japanese Patent Application No.2000-391464), conveyed article identification information or baggageheight data are input as actual commodity identification data.Therefore, data of “fetching layer number, gripping depth, grippingstrength, destination or the like” are transmitted.

[0120] In the case of “sorting control”, identification information ofthe bar code or the like, including two dimensional code or ID chip,attached to conveyed article carried in the conveying line is input,while corresponding to this information, “branch destination” is given.By this means, regular sorting control ends. In the present invention,since the second sorting after branching exists, if the branch signal isinput, “zone number, accommodation compartment location number,accommodation number indication data, commodity confirmation bar codedata, and label issuance data” are output additionally. Further when afractionating process is provided, “fractionating, necessary totalnumber, surplus article returning number specification, and labelissuing data” are output additionally. After outputting, indication andso forth is performed by a field control circuit. The data is subjectedto negation depending on a “completion button input” by the operator,and it is input as “results data” that is stored in “accommodationresult table every store” and is transmitted to an upper computer suchas the physical distribution administration computer and so forth tooutput “billing processing data” based on results data.

[0121] Besides, it is possible that the control computer is put togetherinto one large type computer. Or, it is possible that there are providedrespective servers, and further terminal unit performs distributedcontrol.

[0122] (5) Process of Order Information for “Picking and InspectionInformation”

[0123] The physical distribution computer receives order information(form information) from a receipt of order computer as original data,processes the original data into a form capable of being executed by thecontrol computer, and transmits the processed data to the controlcomputer as “batch editing data”. The control computer executes“picking” in the case of the presence of a stock fetching locationspecification (DC) with the data as the original data. The controlcomputer confirms results through the “inspection and assurance system”,and after that, outputs “billing processing data” as the results datafor those higher than the physical distribution computer. Further, whena stock fetching place is a remote place, the same output is made viathe “inspection and assurance system” by carrying on (TC) passing typeprocessing while fetching the stock from that place.

[0124] Basic “batch editing data” is shown in the form of tables such asfor instance table 1, and table 2. TABLE 1 (Physical distributiondatabase) Delivery course Customer code Destination store code Articleitem code Number in packing Packing shipment quantity Singlenessshipment quantity Category division Sorted division

[0125] Batch number is added and batch division is added when the numberof sorting division reaches a certain number. This judgment is performedby facility frame or by a person. TABLE 2 (Batch database) Batch numberFetching place division Article item code First in first outspecification Packing shipment quantity Singleness shipment quantitySorted division Destination store code

[0126] This data is sent to the control computer. Besides, suchassignment is one example. It is possible that the order data process ofthe physical distribution computer can be taken on as the role of thecontrol computer.

[0127] The control computer allocates compartment location based on theabove-described “batch editing data” while separating into caseaccommodating compartment and singleness accommodating compartment orinto category division in every destination store or furthersegmentation in accordance with the sorting division. No allocation isperformed for the branch line or its second sorting accommodationcompartment that is in use at present or incapable of being used (usagestate is checked).

[0128] Consequently, in the inspection and assurance system 100, thefollowing matter is performed with respect to the order information.

[0129] The inspection and assurance system 100 has storing means of thereceipt of order processing computer 101 for receiving and storing theorder information of the retailer, storing means of the physicaldistribution computer 102 for rearranging and storing the orderinformation due to delivery division information, and storing means ofthe control computer 103 for allocating and storing accommodatingcompartment of commodity sorted for every retailer. The inspection andassurance system 100 delimits where delivery division information andthe number of accommodation compartment reach fixed limits, forms batchplan information due to quantity addition for every article item of thecommodity, and outputs the batch information of the article itemconcerned for a stock location.

[0130] (Flow of Clearance Information) (FIG. 6)

[0131] (1) The control computer 103 functions as a control resultinformation editing means, and performs shipment batch completionadministration, time recording, completion administration/inspectionrecording for every destination, branch line destination locationcompletion administration, and output of over-and-short report (articleitem difference, quantity over, short malfunction output record).

[0132] (2) The physical distribution computer 102 functions as ashipment result report provision means, and performs shipment batchcounting, distinction, editing of results for every destination andshortage data, editing of supplier results and outputs shortage data,supplier article item difference, quantity over, short malfunction list,and delivery packing list in every course.

[0133] (3) The receipt of order processing computer 101 functions as anarticle handling over clearance information provision means, andperforms billing with correction data caused by deficiency, destinationstore code reference delivery results, shortage list editing, suppliercode reference purchase results, and shortage list editing.

[0134] (4) The retail business head office computer 200 functions as anorder purchase administration means, and tracks destination store codereference delivery results, shortage list reception, supplier codereference purchase results and shortage list reception.

[0135] Consequently, the inspection and assurance system 100 performsthe following matters with respect to the clearance information.

[0136] The inspection and assurance system 100 has execution controlmeans (control computer 103) for performing the first sorting and thesecond sorting depending on both delivery division information andaccommodation compartment allocation information for every retailer andcontrol administration function for outputting completion informationfor every retailer depending on both of received article identificationmeans (bar code reader) and error finding identification means(operator, scanner) while receiving commodity fetched from stocklocation to the first sorting line.

[0137] The inspection and assurance system 100 has controladministration functions for outputting completion information for everyretailer while performing automatic completion or forced completion ofthe shipment batch depending on provision completion information fromeach supplier or respective stock locations and sorting completioninformation of articles on the sorting line.

[0138] The inspection and assurance system has an administration system(the physical distribution computer 102 or the receipt of orderprocessing computer 101) for calculating short information (shortageinformation) of every destination retailer for every supplier dependingon completion information output for every retailer when automaticcompletion or forced completion of the shipment batch is performed, foradding delivery quantity correction data, and for performing billing,forms issuance, and reporting.

[0139] Moreover, the inspection and assurance system 100 performsissuance of a surplus article list, and actual commodity labeling forevery supplier, about excess articles of commodity delivered from thesupplier.

[0140] Below will be explained inspection processing proceduresspecifically of the inspection and assurance system 100.

[0141] (a) Based on location stock data of the control computer 103,fetching article item, quantity and so forth are instructed to fetch tofetching location, (supplying sections 12, 13).

[0142] (b) The fetched articles are identified by the bar code readers(BCR) 12A, 13A for each case. The flowing instruction to thesorting/conveying line 11 and the branch instruction are given to thefetched articles.

[0143] The sorting apparatus 10 is provided with a step for returningsurplus articles to the sorting line while branching those that are morethan the necessary total number of the article. Conventionally, theprocess of the sorting apparatus only sorted the articles by unit of thecase or plastic container and completed.

[0144] (c) The branch separates the articles into “necessary articlebranch line 22” and “surplus article return line 23”. In FIG. 1, both ofthe necessary articles and the surplus articles are branched to thebranch line 22. The surplus article is pushed to the return line 23 insuch a manner as to segregate the articles. Besides, in FIG. 2 describedlater, the necessary article is branched to the branch line 111, thesegregated article is branched to the branch line 112, and the surplusarticle is branched to the surplus article return line 113.

[0145] In the fetching method for fetching the articles while collectinga plurality of branch lines “to round quantity to style of packingunit”, there occurs the case in which “one branch destination is made tobranch to round to the style of packing unit” (table 3). In such a case,one case is branched into three, and the surplus article should bereturned to the sorting line 11 quickly. Consequently, the articleconcerned is sorted to “surplus article return line 23”. Next, terminaldisplay indicator 31B fetches a necessary quantity of 3 while performingscanner inspection to flow to the second sorting line 22. The surplusarticles return to the sorting line 11 in such a manner as to adhere thelabel when the number is matched to the number of the display screen.The returned surplus article case is branched to the next “surplusarticle occurrence case branch line”. In the case of a DC article, thereis performed a return branching to singleness container keepingdivision. In the case of a TC article, there is performed returnbranching to TC article return line, at the stage where the wholenecessary total number has completed the first branch.

[0146] (d) The necessary article, in tray, after branching, is carriedout to the second sorting line 22 disposed near the moving shelf orrotational shelf. Accommodating compartment in every zone is lighted tobe displayed. The necessary articles are accommodated in accordance withthis digital indicator. After accommodation, a completion button ispressed to turn off. On the occasion of this working, it may bepreferable that the whole number inspection is performed with thescanner attached to zone, if necessary. As to “finding of error”, in thecase where the compartment is lighted in spite of no article after atray reaches the final zone. A surplus article is contained at anupstream zone erroneously. “The whole compartment re-indicationconfirmation and correction” is performed while stopping work tonormalize. Further, in the case of presence of the article on the tray,although zero confirmation is expected on the final zone, this is alsoerror finding, and normalization should be performed.

[0147] (e) The necessary articles which is a case article or in tray, ispassed through “necessary article branch line 22” and “surplus articlereturn line 23” and is sent to the second sorting accommodationcompartment while repeating its sorting work. Thereafter, schedulecompletion is generated for every compartment location.

[0148] (f) On the basis of “batch editing data”, the compartment filledwith article item quantity of a schedule of the allocated compartmentlocation is completed, and then destination store unit completion isconfirmed. After that, the above described “billing processing data” isoutput.

[0149] Completion of the compartment is decided by the bar code scannerinput signal about the necessary article item quantity total number ofrespective branch lines and accommodation completion confirmation buttonsignal of respective accommodation compartments. Separately, at thecompartment accommodating time, it is possible that actual commodityscan accommodation confirmation is also added. The article “afterpicking” is fetched once from a rear position of a moving shelf due tothe above completion. Ii may be by the data after issuance of scanneractual commodity inspection packing label, corresponding to actualcommodity packing quantity provided rearward at the time of shipmentpacking. Thus, completion of compartment is confirmed.

[0150] (g) If DC handling article batch plan and TC handling articlebatch plan are separated previously, the compartment step can becompleted individually. With respect to a TC article, it is possible toperform confirmation of in execution or no arrival for every productdealer while confirming a carry in signal to storage in a warehouse lineof the product dealer.

[0151] (h) Completion of batch accomplishment is automatically completedwhen the whole schedule article has performed its passing sorting.However, presence of a short condition does not complete the batch, andit is not possible to perform billing. In this case, “forced completion”is performed while judging from the state in the actual field. Then,“shortage data”, “shortage data for every destination” are created tooutput to upper computer. TABLE 3 1 Container (containing 15 articles)Branch Necessary destination number Branched number Remaining 01 3articles 1 Container (15 articles) 12 articles 02 3 articles 1 Container(12 articles)  9 articles 03 3 articles 1 Container (9 articles)   6articles Surplus  6 articles

[0152] (Operation and Effect of Inspection and Assurance System 100)

[0153] In case of a condition with the order information as thereference, presence of a limitation brings incomplete coincidencebetween order information issued from the retail head office to theactual condition. Frequently, it is not possible to cope with seriousshort production and sudden requirements depending of variation of theseason because of the limitation of time.

[0154] Consequently, it becomes necessary to perform clearance with theinformation from the actual field as to correctness while replacing theupper information into the field information with the actual field asthe reference in the business process between the companies such asorder, delivery, inspection, clearance, and payment.

[0155] The present invention provides an inspection and assurance system100 in which the system, with the order information as the originaldata, collects actual commodity identification data obtained fromidentification information of the article passing through TCsorting/conveying system, issues delivery forms data in everydestination while adding corrected information, and transmits resultsdata to the destination retailer head office or supplier sideadministration computer. The results data is taken to as originatedclearance data. The inspection and assurance system 100 has thefollowing operations.

[0156] (1) Since the billing is performed based on the actual commodityreference data, the forms always coincide with the actual commodity. Bythis means, the delivery driver only receives confirmation of deliverypacking numbers at the time of commodity reception at a storefront. Thusit is possible to eliminate time for mutual presence for contentinspection of multiple item consolidated packing articles or the formscorrection procedure. This is the storefront elimination labor effect.

[0157] (2) It is possible to quickly decide a debt or a charge accountby transmitting results data to the administration computer of thedestination retailer head office or supplier side. It is possible toperform accurate payment while eliminating miss match between actualcommodity and payment by eliminating time for data correction because ofresults data reference. This is the accurate payment effect.

[0158] (3) It is possible to accurately perform purchase procuranceplanning because early stock data update is performed by results datadepending on “shipment batch completion of center sorting/conveyingsystem” with respect to stock information of the administrationcomputer. This is the early update effect of tab data.

[0159] (4) It is possible to obtain “excess and deficiency information”of the commodity carried into the center by a “shipment batch completionof center sorting/conveying system”. With respect to an “excess articleitem”, a return list is output for every supplier. With respect to a“shortage article item”, the shortage of which destination is output inevery supplier. These are the reports of difference between orderinformation and results information. This clarifies error in the actualfield. It is thereby possible to perform recovery as the actionimprovement information. This is the grasp of malfunction and itscountermeasure effect.

[0160] (5) It is possible to search for a cause when an accident, foodpoisoning, foreign particle interfusion, defective or the like, occurscaused by shipment commodity, because a record of passing commodity andtime is kept depending on results data by “shipment batch completion ofcenter sorting/conveying system” while tracing the record. This is therisk management quality assurance effect.

[0161] (6) Similarly, the data of the actual results can be used as thematerial for productivity improvement for utilizing the centerfacilities effectively such that personnel arrangement ortime-designating adjustment for an arrival commodity is performed bygrasping busy and idle time bands from the passing record for each time.This is the center utilization promotion/productivity improvementeffect.

[0162] (7) It is possible to achieve simple and accurate returnassurance by using the inspection and assurance system also as returnassurance.

[0163] As described above, “article handling over clearance” isperformed in such a manner as to perform concentration integrationutilization of “shipment batch completion of center sorting/conveyingsystem” originated data of TC with respect to unclearness and a wideclearance work of actual commodity handling over relating to thebusiness transaction. Thus, the shipment batch completion of centersorting/conveying system originated data is taken to as “businesstransaction clearance originated data”.

[0164] Besides, when the commodity does not arrive at storefront as aresult of an accident, a receipt report is not input to the retailerhead office from the storefront. Therefore clearance is not performed.

[0165] Further, when part of the commodity is short, it is possible tocorrect data by inputting a short report to the retailer head office.

[0166] (Return Assurance Function)

[0167] The inspection and assurance system 100 can be utilized forreturn assurance too. Namely, the inspection and assurance system 100establishes a shipment zone for every return destination trader at thesecond sorting/conveying line branched from the sorting/conveying line,and compiles and outputs return sorting results for every retailer andreturn results for every supplier by actual commodity inputidentification means of sorted commodity for the return destinationtrader in the form of a report.

[0168] The process of return assurance is as follows.

[0169] 1. The physical distribution computer 102 specifies the day ofthe return of a return batch and its batch number, establishes a “returnmode” to the control computer 103, and establishes a first branchdestination, and second sorting zone. It is preferable that the secondsorting zone is established in every supplier.

[0170] 2. Flowing of return (consolidated packing, case article) is madeto perform for the actual field first sorting line. Store codeestablishment or issuance addition of store code label is performed andthe first branch destination is made to allocate, after identificationby the scanner.

[0171] 3. After branching of the return from the first sorting line,single article segmentation (inserting in tray) and JAN codeidentification in the return are performed, before sending to the secondsorting line.

[0172] 4. When the return arrives at the supplier concernedestablishment zone, it is stopped, its accommodation compartment is madeto indicate, the return is accommodated in corresponding compartment,and the completion button is pressed.

[0173] Return accommodation compartment within the supplierestablishment zone is established in such a manner as follows:

[0174] A. Method for separating into compartments in every category ofspecified drug medicine, quasi-drug, food, cosmetic and so forth, andother categories.

[0175] B. Method for separating into compartments for specifiedmanufacturers and other manufacturers.

[0176] C. Method using both above A and B simultaneously. This isestablishment free.

[0177] D. It is also possible to return remaining articles to thesurplus article line, after extracting to segregate only specificmanufacturers.

[0178] In the case of A, because of every category, articles for aplurality of manufacturers are sorted in the same compartment. In thecase of B, it is possible to collect articles of consignment salescontract manufacturer and so forth specifically.

[0179] (Merit of Return Processing Report)

[0180] Drug medicine for which an expiration date is determined by thelaw, or foods of which best before indication is obligated can bereturned. Alternatively, in some cases, a return system depending oncontract may be established.

[0181] At the time of turning of the seasons, or at the time ofclearance processing correspondence, “return” is returned from retailer.In this case, it is possible to search the manufacturer name dependingon JAN code. However it is difficult to search the supplier (commissionagent name or agent of manufacturer).

[0182] Zone establishment (small supplier may be of compartmentestablishment) for every supplier (customer code establishment) isperformed at the sorting/conveying line. By this means, the followingmerits are obtained.

[0183] (a) It is possible to perform classification arrangement of thearticles for every supplier. It is possible to perform a label attachingindication to the box in the actual field.

[0184] (b) Counting of returns, and article item quantity for everyretailer can be performed. It is possible to perform adjusting andaccounting purchase amounts of money (purchase reduction).

[0185] (c) Counting of returns, and article item quantity in everysupplier can be performed. It is possible to adjust and account for saleproceeds. In the case of sale proceeds reduction, it is possible to findfictional sales proceeds.

[0186] (d) The consignment sale contract manufacturer or specificmanufacturer are specified, so that it is possible to adjust itshandling over an article item and quantity depending on theclassification arrangement and counting.

[0187] (e) In the case of the specification of an object article forperforming waste treatment, it becomes possible to perform reception anddeacquisition quantitatively and effectively by article segregation,label indication and counting lists, so that calculation of thetreatment fee is facilitated, and statistical data is aligned.

[0188] (f) Such return adjusting processing is performed on non-workingdays of the inspection and assurance center, so that a conventionalreturn dedicated center becomes un-necessary, with a resulting largecost reduction.

[0189] (The Second Embodiment) (FIG. 2)

[0190] The sorting apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 2 differs from thesorting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 such that the second sorting/conveyingline 21 is provided with the case unit passing article branch line 111,surplus article segregation branch line 112, and surplus articlereturning line 113. The sorting apparatus 110 is effective when the caseunit branch amount from the first sorting/conveying line 11 to thesecond sorting/conveying line 21 is large.

[0191] The case article branched to the case unit passing article branchline 111 is read out by bar code reader BCR 111A. Further, the casearticle is read out by bar code reader BCR 111B provided at the entranceof each zone of the segmenting zone 32. The case article is sent to acorresponding zone based on the read out data.

[0192] The commodity branched to the surplus article segregation branchline 112 is read out by a bar code reader 112A. The fetching indicator112B performs the fetching indication of a necessary quantity andsurplus article. The operator sends the necessary article for each zoneof the segmenting zone 32 while utilizing the case unit passing articlebranch line 111, and the bar code reader 111B. The operator sends thesurplus articles to the first sorting/conveying line 11 from the surplusarticle returning line 113 while attaching a label issued by the labeler112C.

[0193] (The Third Embodiment) (FIG. 3)

[0194] The sorting apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 3 differs from thesorting apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 such that there are provided asubsection line 121 and a pass line 122 as a commodity provision systemfor the first sorting/conveying line 11. A plurality of secondsorting/conveying lines 21 are constituted by the branch lines 123 whichare not necessary to be returned and are taken to be dedicated lines inevery area A, B, and C. The sorting apparatus 120 separates thecommodity of single article case 2, or singleness container 3,introduced to the subsection line 121 into necessary article and surplusarticle of each area A, area B or area C based on instruction ofsubsection indicator 124A of subsection working area 124. The necessaryarticles are subjected to subsection into tray 5 in each area A, area B,area C. A label issued by the label issuing machine 124B is attached tothis tray 5. Bar code reader BCR 121A of the exit of the subsection line121 reads out the label of each tray 5. Thus, the respective trays 5 aresorted into corresponding area A, area B, and area C of the branch lines123. The commodity branched to surplus article at the subsection line121 is inserted in single article case 2, or singleness container 3, tobe sent to the return line 125 from the first sorting/conveying line 11.

[0195] The commodities sorted to the branch line 123 of each area A,area B, area C are stopped at the corresponding zone of the segmentingzone 32 based on data read out by the bar code reader BCR 123A. Theindicator and completion button switch 126A, and label issuing machine126B are provided for each zone. The commodity to be inserted into thecompartment of each zone is inserted into an empty tray or emptycontainer. After that, a label issued by the label issuing machine 126Bis attached to the tray that is crushed in the compartment.

[0196] The pass line 122 passes the case unit sorting necessary articleof respective area A, area B, and area C, and sorts these case articlesinto the branch line 123 of the corresponding area on the basis of readout data of the bar code reader BCR 122A of the exit. The case articlessorted to the branch line 123 of respective area A, area B, and area Care stopped at the corresponding zone of the segmenting zone 32 on thebasis of the read out data of the bar code reader 123A. Thereafter, alabel issued by the label issuing machine 126B of each zone is attachedto the case, to be inserted into the corresponding case compartment.

[0197] There is provided an empty tray collection place 127 at the endportion of the branch line 123, and there is provided an empty traystorage site 128 at the subsection working place 124.

[0198] As described above, the embodiments of the invention areexplained depending on the drawings, however, specific constitution ofthe present invention is not limited by the embodiments described above,and also if embodiments except for the aforementioned embodiments fallin the range without departing from the scope and the spirit oftechnical consciousness according to the present invention, variouskinds of modifications and changes are possible depending on design andso forth, and are included in the present invention. For instance, theinspection and assurance system of the present invention is not limitedone which is executed in the delivery inspection center 1 provided withthe sorting apparatus 10, so that the inspection and assurance system iswidely adopted in the delivery inspection center provided with varioussorting apparatus.

Industrial Applicability

[0199] As described above, according to the present invention, it ispossible to perform inspection and assurance accurately and effectivelywhile sorting commodity delivered from the supplier.

[0200] Further according to the present invention, it is possible toperform inspection and assurance instead of the supplier or the retailerby a delivery inspection center provided between the supplier and theretailer.

1. A sorting method which uses a sorting/conveying line with a branchdestination comprising the steps of: sorting the commodities more than aquantity required for the branch destination; and returning surpluscommodity after removing a required quantity to the sorting/conveyingline.
 2. The sorting method according to claim 1, further comprising asecond sorting/conveying step for segmenting a required quantity ofcommodities sorted to the branch destination from the sorting/conveyingline into a plurality of shipment zones provided for the branchdestinations.
 3. The sorting method according to claim 2, comprising astep for indicating a required quantity of the commodity and a step forreturning surplus commodities after removing a required quantity to thesorting/conveying line at the second sorting/conveying step.
 4. Thesorting method according to claim 2, comprising a step for supplying thecommodity fetched by one piece unit from inside of a single article itemaccommodation case to a singleness compartment and a step for supplyingthe single article item accommodating case by case unit to casecompartment at the second sorting/conveying step.
 5. The sorting methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the second sorting/conveying step isprovided with a shipment zone for every retailer at the branchdestination, in which the sorted commodity for the retailer isfield-input to be subjected to inspection.
 6. The sorting methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the second sorting/conveying step isprovided with a shipment zone for every return destination trader at thebranch destination, in which the sorted commodity for the returndestination supplier is field-input to be subjected to inspection.
 7. Asorting apparatus which uses a sorting/conveying line with branchdestination comprising: a branch line for sorting the commodities morethan a quantity required for the branch destination; and a surplusarticle returning line for returning surplus commodities after removinga required quantity to the sorting/conveying line.
 8. The sortingapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the branch line constitutes asecond sorting/conveying line for segmenting a required quantity ofcommodities sorted to branch destination from the sorting/conveying intoa plurality of shipment zones provided for the branch destination. 9.The sorting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the secondsorting/conveying line has an indicator for indicating a requiredquantity of commodity.
 10. The sorting apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the second sorting/conveying line has a singleness compartmentfor supplying the commodity fetched by one piece unit from inside of asingle article item accommodating case, and a case compartment forsupplying the single article item accommodating case by case unit. 11.The sorting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the secondsorting/conveying line comprises a shipment zone for every retailer atthe branch destination, and an inspection means for performinginspection while filed-inputting the sorted commodity for the retailer.12. The sorting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the secondsorting/conveying line comprises a shipment zone in every returndestination trader at the branch destination, and an inspection meansfor performing inspection while field-inputting the sorted commodity forthe return destination supplier.
 13. An inspection and assurance system,wherein a delivery inspection center is provided between a plurality ofsuppliers and a plurality of retailers to sort delivered commoditiesfrom the suppliers according to order information of the retailers onsorting/conveying lines of the delivery inspection center, to collectactual commodity information passing the sorting/conveying lines in thedelivery inspection center, and to calculate sorting results for everyretailer and delivery results for every supplier, reporting the sortingresults of the retailer to the retailers concerned, wherein the sortingresults for retailers relating to the delivered commodities of eachsupplier are reported to the supplier concerned.
 14. The inspection andassurance system according to claim 13, wherein passing time of thecommodity is recorded on the sorting results in every said retailer anddelivery result for each supplier.
 15. The inspection and assurancesystem according to claim 13, further comprising: a storing means forreceiving and storing order information of the retailer; a storing meansfor rearranging and storing the order information depending on deliverydivision information; and a storing means for allocating to a storeaccommodation compartment of the commodity sorted in every retailer,wherein the inspection and assurance system delimits at the conditionwhere delivery division information and the number of accommodationcompartment reach fixed borders, forms batch plan information due toquantity addition in every article item of the commodity, and outputsthe batch information of the article item concerned for stock location.16. The inspection and assurance system according to claim 13 furthercomprising: an execution control means for performing the first sortingand the second sorting depending on both delivery division informationand accommodation compartment allocation information in every retailerwhile receiving commodity fetched from stock location to thesorting/conveying lines; and a control administration function foroutputting completion information of every retailer depending on bothreceived article identification means and error finding identificationmeans.
 17. The inspection and assurance system according to claim 16,further comprising: a control administration function for outputtingcompletion information in every retailer while performing automaticcompletion or forced completion of the shipment batch depending onprovision completion information from each supplier or respective stocklocation and sorting completion information of articles on the sortingline.
 18. The inspection and assurance system according to claim 13,further comprising: an administration system for calculating shortinformation for every destination retailer in every supplier dependingon completion information output in every retailer at the time ofautomatic completion or forced completion of the shipment batch, foradding delivery quantity correction data, and for performing billing,forms issuance, and reporting.
 19. The inspection and assurance systemaccording to claim 13, performing issuance of a surplus article list,and an actual commodity label for every supplier, about excess articlesof commodity delivered from the supplier.
 20. An inspection andassurance system which establishes a shipment zone for every returndestination trader at a second sorting/conveying process branched fromthe sorting/conveying line, and compiles and outputs return sortingresults for every retailer and return results for every supplier byactual commodity input identification means of sorted commodity for thereturn destination trader.